In 2015, the United Church of God returned to Galveston Island to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. Services were held in the beautiful grand ballroom of the Galveston Convention Center. Each day that the brethren gathered for services, they could look out on Galveston Bay.

The Feast opened with light rain on Sunday night and on Monday. But the rain did not deter 442 attendees from enjoying the Holy Day message given by Don Ward. In the opening message he asked, “What is most important to God’s people in the here and now?” and emphasized  that what is most important to God must also be important to the Church.

Throughout the remainder of the week the ministry focused the brethren on the coming Millennial Kingdom with messages concerning being pilgrims and sojourners; God’s plan for global success; the reassurance that God finishes what He starts; our discipleship; God’s investment in His people, who will be great in the Kingdom; how we will provide comfort, teaching and leading to the people of the Kingdom; our need to look forward; and preparing to lead the world tomorrow.

On Friday evening, Bible studies were held for teens, young adults and adults. In the main Bible study, Dr. Ward presented a study titled “Zion: Past, Present, and Future.”

Preteens also enjoyed two sessions titled “Being Like Our Heavenly Father.” Also, the youth choir performed wonderful renditions of “He Will Be There” and “I’m Gonna Wait on the Lord,” led by Karla Bonner.

The special music added to the uplifting Feast environment by providing praises to God. The choir was led by Ken Japhet with assistance from Kayleen Schreiber and Kourtney Kovanis.

By Tuesday, the skies had cleared and brethren could enjoy the beaches, restaurants and historical features of the island. Highlights of the activities available included a mini-golf outing for the teens, family day at Moody Gardens, and Sunday at Schlitterbann Waterpark.

The Feast in Galveston was a wonderful spiritual and physical foretaste of God’s coming Kingdom.